(My publishing and self-publishing Journey) 

Those of you who read this blog know that I’ve not been posting over the summer. I wanted to, but my time seemed to be swiped by editing, working, and preparing for the Northern Hearts Conference. As I type this, the conference is days away. I’ve also had little time to create new stories… blah. I’m sure you’re not new to the feeling of time slipping by or feeling unproductive. But I have been productive, at least in the none visible sort of way. I’ve thought about narrowing the theme of this site (at least the post that I write). I have been editing stories for a publisher I’m considering forming a working relationship with. We’ve been discussing cover art and other aspects that would make for a smooth relationship. And while all this is happening, the contract is being negotiated. All of that took a considerable amount of time and thought. More updates on that later…

When I thought my summer schedule was set, and did my happy dance with some back patting in tow, a couple of my close author friends, Christine Colorado and Laurie Hazel (yes, I’m naming you) decided anthologies were a great idea for the upcoming romance conference. 

The conference is September 20^th. When I attended last year’s conference I really didn’t know what to expect. I signed up for some workshops and met some incredible authors, both traditionally and self-published. I quickly found out that for the event to be productive, I needed to know what I wanted to get out of it and I needed to do some research of the presenters.

Last year one of the workshops I attended was boring (to me anyway) and the information presented was not in line with my future writing career, yet I sat there, not sure what the etiquette was for walking out of the room (via the back door of course). This year, I’m a little bolder and I’m armed with a learning agenda. But I digress…more on what I’m learning to come.

So, we were able to put together not one anthology series but two – because these ladies are bad ass. One is a paranormal mystery called Illusions of Power and the second is a contemporary romance called Path of the Heart.

They were great fun to write and put together– high stress and high dedication. I think we might have even shed a few tears in the process.

During the entire process, I was navigating my way through the self-publishing world. I know, I’m so late to the game. There is so much to learn and do. About 15 years ago, when self-publishing was new, I did dip my toes into the water (but I wasn’t ready, not by a long shot). I was still working full time and didn’t have a back list of stories to publish.

Fast forward. I’ve made commitments to cultivating my writing career. Novels and stories are in the works and I’m reading/learning from smart people. I’m in the business of publishing again and it feels damn great.